Page 33 - Silver Lakes July Issue 2023

TODAY’S CHILD

find out, but you will get back to them. in a participatory discussion, otherwise teenage challenges, the opportunities for
Reassure your teen that telling you was your teen will rebel against the decision learning can be found in daunting situations,
the right thing to do. and the avenue of support for future so recognise that something good can come
• Explain how you will support them so occasions could be lost. from something bad by fostering greater
that they feel safe and reassured. • Let your teenager know you still love awareness, empathy and remedial action.
• Try not to take away access to their them. Whilst they need to understand the
phones. Teens may feel more isolated as consequences of their actions, they may Top tips for teens:
a result, and feel unable to connect with be feeling confused, worried or scared, 1. Trust your feelings. Any unwanted
friends for support. and will need your support more than sexualised contact from someone online
• Take action to report and remove ever. Teens do not always fully realise their is online sexual harassment.
content. Tell them they may and should actions. They get encouraged by peers 2. Online sexual harassment is not okay.
block anyone who’s harassing them. who enjoy the fallout, or they see so many If you experience any unwanted sexual
transgressions online and on TV shows contact online, it is important to know
What do I do if my teen has done this that they sometimes need guidance and that it is not acceptable and is never your
to someone? learning more than discipline. fault.
• Remain calm and keep an open mind. 3. Block them. Blocking stops the person
Listen to your teen explain what The impact of online sexual harassment being able to message you or see the
happened in their own words. on teens can be significant. Teens who things you post in future.
• Acknowledge how they are feeling experience online sexual harassment 4. Report. Let the app, game or site know
and give them time to process their may be more likely to suffer from anxiety, what has happened and provide any
emotions. They may find it easier to depression and other mental health issues. evidence you have. Encourage others to
write down how they are feeling. They may also be more likely to engage in report too. Reporting is anonymous.
• Try not to make assumptions. Children risky behaviours, such as substance abuse or 5. Talk to someone. It can be difficult,
often see the online world as an outlet self-harm. but talking to someone is the first step
for things they find difficult to express towards making the situation better.
in person, such as sexual orientation or Furthermore, teens who experience online Involve adults. You may talk to a friend
past experiences. Teens also incorrectly sexual harassment may struggle with or psychologist, but it is important to
use the online platforms to try to engage their self-esteem and body image, leading also speak to the adults around you who
with someone they are interested in. to feelings of shame and fear. Like most support you.
They even incorrectly assume that
“sexy” text messages are attractive or
will grant them an inroad into someone
who shares their interests.
• Ask your child why it happened. Ask
them about their friendships and who
they spend time with online and in
person. There is a risk that teens who
display harmful behaviour are a victim
of harm themselves or are involved with
o Marital, Couples & Family Therapy
questionable friendship groups. Hence,
it remains important to know who they o Counselling Children, Adolescents & Adults
are spending their time with. o “Teen” Challenges
• Seek help from friends and other
o Behavioural & Adjustment Challenges
parents. It can be hard to know what
to do at first. Other families may have o Stress-Related Challenges
gone through similar situations and can
o Adjustment to Depression & Anxiety
offer advice and emotional support,
so you feel less alone. However, do o Subject & Career Psychometric Testing
not involve others in any form of bad-
For an appointment please call
mouthing. There is no need to recruit
people to your teen’s cause. Rather 083 376 1995
handle the situation responsibly and
with accountability. Fees are charged according to Scale of Benefits
• You may feel you need to limit access Practice Address: 27 Fish Eagle Street, Silver lakes, Pretoria
or increase your involvement in your Pr. Nr. 0860000114022 | Reg. No.: PS 0080543
teen’s online world. This is best done

INTRAMUROS JULY 2023 | 31